Frequently Asked Questions about

our audio services

Q:  How do I get my audio material to you?
A:  Our shipping address is

Creative Audio Works LLC
15 Bay Colony Drive
Plymouth, MA  02360

You are responsible for shipping your media to us.  Creative Audio Works is not responsible for damage to your media that may occur during shipping to us. UPS,  USPS, and FedEx are recommended shipping services. Please see the Media Order/shipping page for more information on packaging.

Q:  What is your guarantee?
A:   We stand behind our work, and we want you to be 100% satisfied; however, we cannot fix things inherent in the media itself. We will contact you if your media will not transfer successfully.

Q:  What is your turnaround time?
A: Typically, we have a one-to-two-week turnaround time for a small run of ten or so items. When working with colleges and universities that may have 500 items or more, the turnaround time would be 2-3 months or more, depending on quantity.

Q: How is payment made?
A: When your transfers are complete, we’ll email you an invoice that includes a secure online payment link via squarup.com. After payment, we’ll send your transfer files via wetransfer.com

Q:  What medium is the finished work supplied?
A:  These days, in most cases, clients want their audio transfers sent to them in a digital audio file format. We supply the high-resolution 96khz/24bit Wav files, currently the NARAS standard for migrating archiving audio and MPEG 4 files.  Your audio files are available via WeTransfer download and thumb drive, CDs are available at an extra cost of $15 each.

Q: Can I wait and watch you convert/transfer my audio media?
A:  We are sorry, but it is not possible to wait for your transfer.  The tape baking process typically takes 24 hours to run. Other variables involved with different audio formats make it impractical for you to wait.  The typical turnaround time is one to two weeks.

Q: I’m uncertain of the number of tracks, recording speed, and if any noise reduction was used. There are no useful instructions on the box, and the track sheets are missing.
A: Definitely! At Creative Audio Works, we have the expertise and know-how to accurately evaluate recordings that lack supporting documentation to guarantee proper playback during your transfers.

Q: To remix my analog tape(s), I want to convert them to digital and import them into Pro Tools, Logic, Nuendo, Cubase, Samplitude, Digital Performer, etc. What will you give me to work with, and will I be able to accomplish that?
A: You will receive one 24-bit Broadcast WAV file per track at a sample rate of 96 kHz which provides a mirror image of what is on your tape; alternative resolutions are also available. With WAV files, every popular digital audio workstation is fully compatible. Import your digital audio files to your favorite DAW and start mixing your prized recording.

Q:  I am aware of how long my songs are. What will it cost for Creative Audio Works to transfer them for me?

A:  The length of your material only makes up a portion of the overall time spent. To carry out your transfers, we provide the following:
1. We clean or bake the tapes as needed as part of any restoration work.
2. We calibrate the tape decks and other equipment to ensure proper transfer. At that point, we convert your analog or digital audio tracks from the tape and convert them to digital WAV files.
3. Pack and prepare your tapes for return shipment to you.

Q: Do you return my audio media?
A:  Yes, your audio media will be returned to you unless otherwise specified.

Q:  Is Audio restoration expensive?
A:  It depends on how much work is required to restore the recording, whether the job involves a lot of real-time listening, or whether it can be an automatic process.

Q:  I have a lot of vinyl records that I’d like to have on CD. Is this possible?
A:  Typically, we do not transfer records that were readily available in the consumer market. It is more cost-effective to search Amazon or eBay for new or used CDs.  We specialize in transferring hard-to-find discs or family recordings etc.

Q:  Does the transfer process damage the original records at all?
A:  We use a high-quality turntable and have an assortment of stylus to transfer your discs safely. Please visit our Audio Disc page for more information

Q:  How do I get my recordings restored?
We use specialized software programs specially designed to restore audio files.

Q:  What is the maximum recording time that I can put on a CD?
A:  Up to a maximum of 80 minutes according to the CD “Red Book” standard. It is possible to exceed this by using a non-standard 80-minute CD.

Q:  Do you transfer video formats, VHS, Betamax, etc.
A:  No, we do not transfer any video formats. We specialize in one-on-one audio transfer services. We transfer Sony F1, 501,601, and 701 digital audio recordings on VHS and Betamax, and multi-track ADAT (8,16,24 32 track, etc,) recorded on VHS. See our Studio page for more information on the formats we provide.

Q:  Is your system automated?
A:  We do not consider our services automated.  We do some batch processing when generating your final files, but the transfer is a one-on-one process. We may be a little more expensive than some franchise providers, but the quality of our work and testimonials on our website speak for themselves.

Q: Will my audiotape be ruined if I try to play it?
A: If your tape(s) have sticky shed syndrome, it/they could get ruined if it is not baked properly. If your tape was created in a professional audio studio to record a mixdown, it may have been on professional tape manufactured by Ampex or Quantegy. These tape formulas need to be baked to make the binder that holds the magnetic particles to the tape sable again so they are no longer sticky and will glide across the tape heads and not be permanently damaged.

Q: Does baking affect the sound quality?
A: The baking process does not harm the tape physically or degrade the sound quality. The most crucial part about baking is that it makes the tape playable.